HIST 690: The Administration of Archives and Manuscripts

HIST 690-001: Admin Archives/Manuscripts
(Fall 2025)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM T

Horizon Hall 1009

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2025

What is the difference between and archive and a library? This course will introduce students to the history of archival institutions and practices with a particular emphasis on the United States. Students will learn how the idea of what constitutes an archive developed and evolved over time, and how specific archives, and the communities they were built to serve, vary as well. Each week the class will explore a core theory or type of institution, and guest speakers from these institutions will provide an overview of the work they do. Because so much archival work is now digital, this course will also provide students with an opportunity to create a digital archive project, which will give them some practical experience with digital collections and current archival practices. Course readings will include: Alea R. Henle, Rescued from Oblivion: Historical Cultures in the Early United States; John Ridener, From Polders to Postmodernism: A Concise History of Archival Theory; and Maria Montalalvo Enslaved Archives: Slavery, Law, and the Production of the Past as well as several other important works that tie theory and practice together. 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces principles and practices of managing records and administering archival and manuscript collections, public and private. Designed for graduate students with special interest in historical sources as well as for those specializing in applied history. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.